Support the D'Altons

Hi Everyone; thank you so much for stopping by. My name is Karen Britten. I have created this fundraiser in support of my dear friend Donna D'Alton, her husband Mike and their four beautiful daughters, Maddie, Danika, Georgie and Darcy.

My friend Donna D'Alton is 49 years old and married to her childhood sweetheart Mike. Together they share four beautiful daughters. Their youngest has just turned 10.

On September 3rd 2022, Donna contacted me and told me she had been taken to the hospital by ambulance after having a seizure at home. It was very concerning as she hadn't experienced anything like this before.

At the hospital, an MRI scan was completed on Donna's brain. The scan revealed some masses within her brain. She was transferred from The Launceston General Hospital to Calvary Hospital in Hobart and placed in the care of a Neurosurgeon.

On Monday, September 5th Donna was taken to surgery for a biopsy of the masses in her brain. Unfortunately, the Neurosurgeon was unable to get the biopsy on this occasion. The following day Donna was taken back to surgery for a more invasive procedure to try and get a biopsy. The Neurosurgeon was able to get the biopsy on this occasion.

After almost a week of anxiously waiting for results, on Wednesday, September 14th, Donna and Mike received the most devastating news. The biopsy results revealed Donna has Grade 4 Glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive type of brain cancer. Her Glioblastoma is inoperable.

I have known Donna and Mike for most of my life. They are two of the most humble, unassuming, kind and genuine people you will ever meet. They are the first to offer support to others in times of hardship.

Mike has been a volunteer with Tasmania Fire Service for most of his life, also working for both Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania S.E.S professionally for many years.

Donna has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. A few years ago I was fundraising for a little boy with Cancer. Donna drove for three hours to come and support me. She made a donation and then drove all the way home again. I want to impress; this type of behaviour isn't unusual for Donna. She is so selfless and cares so much about others. This beautiful soul always puts other people first.

This devastating diagnosis came completely unexpectedly and without warning. There is nothing that could have prepared the D'Alton's for this.

Donna and Mike live with their four daughters in Legana, west of Launceston in Northern Tasmania. They have both always worked hard to provide for their family. Donna is no longer going to be able to work and Mike will be her primary carer. Like most people will understand, they still have bills to pay and four daughters to provide for. They still dont know what treatment options are available to Donna.

The family want to prioritise spending as much time together as they possibly can. Ensuring Donna has the best possible care at all times is of the utmost importance to them.

I'm asking everyone to please show your support to this beautiful family, who have been dealt the cruellest, most devastating blow. I want Donna, Mike and their girls to be able to concentrate on spending as much quality time together, making memories as possible. I want their focus to be on caring for Donna and for them to not have the added burden of worrying about how they are going to pay their bills along with the huge expenses that come with illness. At a time like this they don't need to be worrying about providing for their family and trying to pay all of their regular expenses whilst coming to terms with Donna"s Glioblastoma.

I have felt helpless since I received the news of my beautiful friend's diagnosis a couple of days ago. There is nothing we can do to change the fact that Donna has Glioblastoma. What we can do is show our love and support to The D'Alton family by donating whatever we can to help them out and take any financial pressure off them. Any amount you can donate will be so deeply appreciated. Please know that your contribution will mean the world to Donna and Mike.

When I approached Mike about setting up this fundraiser, he told me he didn't like the idea at all. He also told me that he and Donna are realistically going to need some help because they can't do this on their own. Mike is a very proud and independent person that loves his family fiercely. There is nothing that he will not do for Donna and their girls, which is why he gave me his blessing to proceed with this fundraiser.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance for any donations you make towards this fundraiser. I am extremely grateful for your help in making life a little easier for my dearest friends.